Anti-Wrinkle Injections vs Dermal Fillers — Which Is Right for You?

Last updated: 5 March 2026

Two of the most popular non-surgical aesthetic treatments in the UK are anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers. Whilst both are delivered via injection and aim to rejuvenate the face, they work in fundamentally different ways and address distinct concerns. Understanding the differences is key to choosing the right treatment for your goals.

How Anti-Wrinkle Injections Work

Anti-wrinkle injections use a purified protein — most commonly botulinum toxin type A — to temporarily relax the muscles responsible for dynamic wrinkles. These are the lines that form through repeated facial expressions, such as frowning, squinting, and raising your eyebrows. By gently reducing muscle activity, the overlying skin smooths out, giving a refreshed and more youthful appearance. Common treatment areas include forehead lines, frown lines (the ‘eleven’ lines between the brows), and crow’s feet around the eyes.

How Dermal Fillers Work

Dermal fillers, by contrast, add volume beneath the skin’s surface. They are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the body. Rather than relaxing muscles, fillers physically plump and lift areas that have lost volume due to ageing, or enhance features such as the lips, cheeks, and jawline. They are ideal for static wrinkles — lines visible even when the face is at rest — as well as for contouring and restoring youthful proportions.

Key Differences at a Glance

Factor	Anti-Wrinkle Injections	Dermal Fillers
Mechanism	Relaxes muscles	Adds volume
Best for	Dynamic wrinkles (expression lines)	Volume loss, contouring, static lines
Common areas	Forehead, frown lines, crow’s feet	Lips, cheeks, jawline, nasolabial folds
Results onset	3–14 days	Immediate
Duration	3–6 months	6–18 months
Reversible	Wears off naturally	HA fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase

Can You Combine Both Treatments?

Absolutely. In fact, many aesthetic practitioners recommend a combined approach for optimal results. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘liquid facelift.’ Anti-wrinkle injections address the upper face — smoothing forehead lines and crow’s feet — whilst fillers restore volume and contour to the mid and lower face. When performed together by a skilled practitioner, the results are harmonious and natural-looking, providing comprehensive facial rejuvenation without surgery.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

The best treatment depends on your specific concerns and aesthetic goals. If your primary issue is lines that appear when you make facial expressions, anti-wrinkle injections are likely the better choice. If you have noticed volume loss in your cheeks, thinning lips, or deepening folds, dermal fillers will be more effective. During a consultation, a qualified practitioner will assess your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, and recommend a tailored treatment plan. There is no one-size-fits-all answer — the right approach is always personalised to you.

Safety Considerations

Both treatments have excellent safety profiles when administered by qualified medical professionals. Common side effects include temporary redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. Serious complications are rare but can include infection, vascular occlusion (with fillers), or an unnatural ‘frozen’ look (with anti-wrinkle injections if overdone). Always choose a practitioner who is transparent about risks, takes a conservative approach, and prioritises natural-looking results over dramatic transformations.